Truck bounces like CRAZY!! Help.

[nativetexan]

Okay, a while back my truck (87 SWB) started doing something strange...

Everytime I  Would hit a rough patch of road or potholes, the front end would jump up and down like crazy. Even after there wasn't anymore potholes. The only way to stop it is to slow down or stop ((in the middle of traffic))! I thought it was the shocks and they needed to get replaced anyway soo, swapped em out. Everything was fine for a few days, now it is doing it again. I read a few threads outside of this site that suggest it is a ba steering damper and should be replaced. Is there anyone out there that has had this problem?? How did you fix it. Or, if there are any suggestions, I would appreciate it.

[zieg85]

Sounds like your idler arm is shot.  My $.02

[Captkaos]

2WD, 4WD?  How about some more info on the truck?

[VileZambonie]

Sounds like a classic case of death wobble.... Yes please elaborate on your rig, tire size etc.

[JRConnieK10]

If its 4wd I tell ya it needs ball joints k5 blazer did the same thing it would shake uncontrolably replaced the bal joints problem solved.

[nativetexan]

Sorry for the lack of info...

2WD, P235/75R15s all the way around. I looked at the label on the driver door it says 205/75R15 I believe. might be 70 though.
Also, front is all stock... no lifts lowers nuthin on the front or back. Thanks for the help guys anymore suggestions??

[VileZambonie]

Ok you first need to check your front end.

Perform a dry park check. This means with the wheels on the ground have an assistant rock the steering wheel back and fourth while you observe for lateral and axial play in each component. This includes:

Inner and outer tie rod ends
idler arm
pitman arm
and look at the ball joints.

Next jack up the front end underneath the lower control arm. It's very important you use this as your jacking point to unload the load carrying ball joint to check them. Stick a prybar underneath the tire and rock it up and down while observing for play in the ball joints. You should also check the wheel bearings by grabbing the tire at 12 and 6 o'clock and rocking the tire while observing the hub for movement. Do the same on both sides.

[nativetexan]

I will check that this weekend.
Thanks for the input...
Death Wobble is a pretty popular term! I had no idea until I googled it. Its probably a combo of things huh? not just one. What about the wheel stabalizer?

PS- whats the most common cause of Death Wobble.

[VileZambonie]

Death wobble can be caused by MANY things or a combination of things, the right speed, angle and deflection and boom, there it is. The steering wheel will shake right out of your hand until you actually slow or stop the vehicle.

It can be too much positive caster, worn steering or suspension components, tires or imbalance etc etc. You need to check the front end 1st.

[Redneckchevy]

I was on the highway with a Cab over streetsweeper and i hit some potholes its went into the death wobble and i couldnt use my mirrors or nothing! had to come to a complete stop....The Stupid Mechanic told me the front shocks wear to short...And the guy before him kept buying new shocks based on the old length...I no when i got my truck i went to autozone....And they gave me stock shocks..To short....My truck had a 2 inch lift on it...And i didnt even no!

[nativetexan]

MAJOR UPSET!!!!

I found out what the heck ?is going on.
I got under there to check out the front end.
When my brother started turning the wheel I didn't get to check anything before noticing the frame twisting back and forth with the movement of the steering colomn. After inspecting the frame we found two cracks total. One of those is pretty bad. I feel like I just found out my best friend died. So, now I have to decide what I am gonna do. What I had planned for this truck doesn't work without a good frame. I love that truck but not enough to spend the green for a new frame.
I guess I will get it patched and then sell it to my mechanic for his scrap yard.

He built my tranny for me so I am thinkin he will give me a good price on it.

[VileZambonie]

This is extremely common. They sell a brace you can either bolt on or weld on or fabricate a bracket. Only 4 bolts hold it on. No need to cry yet. Also check the rivets at the front of the frame they may need a weld If it's been flexing a lot.

[Blazin]

Yeah fixed properly that section of frame will be better than it was new. The kit Vile mentioned works well.

[Captkaos]

This is what one looks like for reference.  Middle of page: http://offroaddesign.com/catalog/steeringkit.htm

[nativetexan]

Yeah, I probably will get it patched... Its got a brand new tranny + new shocks + new tint.
Will this effect my plans to increase HP in the future. I've always been told that you gotta have a good frame to do that. What do ya'll think?